ourself

Meanings

1. 1
   pron

   the reflexive form used with the royal or editorial we, meaning myself

   In this chapter, we shall confine ourself to the evidence from written records.

2. 2
   pron

   the reflexive form of generic we, meaning oneself

   We should treat our neighbor as ourself.

3. 3
   pron

   a nonstandard or patronizing reflexive used when we refers to one person being addressed

   Have we managed to dress ourself this morning?

From Middle English oure-selfe, formed from our + self. It survives chiefly as the reflexive of royal or editorial we and of generic we. Standard modern English normally uses ourselves when we refers to more than one person.

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